Module Details

Module Code: INTR8030
Title: Virtual Design & Construction
Long Title: Virtual Design & Construction
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is the management of integrated multi-disciplinary performance models of built environment projects, thereby enabling the development and testing of a digital prototype in advance of the commencement of construction on site. A VDC approach enables models to be used for effective communication and sharing of information, execution of multiple iterations of specific analysis (e.g. clash rendition, energy analysis, structural analysis, cost analysis and construction programming). Learners will use digital technologies and industry best practice processes to facilitate data capture and management of multi-disciplinary performance models within a Common Data Environment (CDE). To emphasise the potential benefits for all project participants, a key focus is on efficient data capture (e.g. laser scanning, ground penetrating radar, data matrix technology), management via a Federated Model within a CDE, efficient interrogation and manipulation of data by adopting a visual scripting approach, and communication via cloud based applications and/or immersive technologies.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe, apply and critically appraise methodologies and technologies pertinent to the capture, management, interrogation, use and sharing of discipline specific model data.
LO2 Use an appropriate digital technology to import and combine domain-specific BIM models from a variety of technologies in the execution of a federated model strategy.
LO3 Apply domain-specific model checking and combined model checking within the federated model application.
LO4 Use and evaluate data capture techniques (e.g. laser scanning, data matrix scanning) utilised at various stages in the design and construction process.
LO5 Use and evaluate cloud based technologies and immersive technologies in the communication and validation of data relevant to the design and/or construction phases of a project.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)
General principles; VDC in the context of BIM; Typical and potential methodologies and technologies; Examination of the role of VDC in the integration of multi-disciplinary performance models to act as a digital prototype for testing in advance of construction in the first case, and to then develop as a 'digital twin' of the physical asset, containing all data relevant to the design, construction and operations phases.
Common Data Environment (CDE)
Fundamental components which comprise a CDE; Current and future options in terms of deploying a project appropriate CDE; Business considerations, as well as legal and security issues, of individual project contributors sharing data via a CDE.
Federated Model
Federated Model applications; Correct export and import procedures using shared coordinates; Real time navigation within the federated model with data visibility adjustment techniques; Developing clash avoidance methodologies; Generating interactive 3D, 4D, 5D and 6D simulations from the Federated Model; Applying combined model checking procedures within the federated model.
Data Capture
Identifying, testing and evaluating various methods of data capture. Laser scanning, with potential uses including the capture of: As-is geometry and visual record of existing buildings/elements of infrastructure; Topographical data using associated drone technology; Construction progress data using associated drone and robotic technology; As-built data. Ground penetrating radar to develop accurate models of underground services. Intelligent data matrix technologies in combination with cloud computing to capture operation and maintenance data.
Automation
Introduction to automated digital technology and its potential to facilitate lean processes within the AEC sector by reducing time-demanding tasks; Application of common industry automation technology (e.g. Dynamo, Grasshopper).
Immersive Technology
Potential for immersive technology to be a powerful collaborative and communication tool; Current benefits and limitations, as well as future potential to disrupt traditional AEC workflows to positive effect.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 3 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Technical presentation identifying and evaluating potential CDE options in the management of project information including graphical data (i.e. federated model), non-graphical data and documentation.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Technical Report addressing some/all of the following:
Assessment of federated model in terms of import/export procedures; Interference and clash detecting reports; Execution of 3D/4D/5D/6D simulation options; Apply domain-specific model checking and combined model checking within the federated model application.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,4,5
Assessment Description
Develop, test and evaluate existing/potential future applications of digital technology with respect to:
Automation of data capture (e.g. utilising laser scanning, data matrix technology);
Generating, processing, interrogating and managing data (e.g. utilising visual scripting);
Communication and validation of data (e.g. utilising cloud technologies, immersive technologies).
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of module content. Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Delivery of practical instruction; Execution of formative and summative assignments/assessments. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Revision of module content; Execution of assignments/assessments. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Delivery of practical instruction; Execution of formative and summative assignments/assessments. Every Week 3.00 3
Lecture Contact Delivery of module content. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Revision of module content; Execution of assignments/assessments. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Rafael Sacks, Chuck Eastman, Ghang Lee, Paul Teicholz. (2018), BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Third. John Wiley & Sons, [ISBN: 978111928753].
  • Dominik Holzer. (2016), The BIM Manager's Handbook: Guidance for Professionals in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction, First. John Wiley & Sons, [ISBN: 1118982428].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CSBIM_8 Certificate in Strategic Building Information Modelling Management 2 Elective
CR_CABIM_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Applied Building Information Modelling and Digital AEC 2 Elective